I have a 1999 dakota 3.9L that I think is plugged. took out thermo but still gets hot ~ 200 deg F or more...

TRIED A CHEM FLUSH LAST YEAR but still hot. can I blow this thing out? or do I need to replace the rad?

any suggestions are appreciated!! the Wiz

 

Check the radiator cap. That was what my problem was a few months back. The cap keeps the system pressurized, without it the radiator overheats.

 

tnx for the idea, but it is fine. the rad never lost coolant...

I replaced the rad on Sun, and it works COOLY now!! $170 for new rad + 2 hrs actual work time = $470+ that Car-X wanted... hardest part is getting the fan assy lined up when re-assembling.

NOTE: I put a small rope around a blade & wrapped end around bolt holding AC pipes, to hold up fan!!

oh - I didn't know how to connect the new tran oil pipes to the old hoses (and don't have correct tools to press them together, I guess) so just kept the old hoses.

now I'll put the thermo back in... does anyone know if the cooler temp causes BAD mileage???

 

Congrats on the fix.

Cooler temps keep the truck in open loop longer and a richer mixture so yes, the mileage will probably be lower.